Tanning, Skin Cancer Risk, and Prevention

Winter is FINALLY over (for most of us), and what better way to treat that pasty skin than with a trip to the tanning salon, or knowing what we know about tanning, playing it safe and picking up a bottle of spray tanner?

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active chemical in spray tanning products, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for external use, but it is not approved as an all-over spray. The FDA states that “DHA should not be inhaled, ingested, or exposed to areas covered by mucous membranes including the lips, nose, and areas in and around the eye (from the top of the cheek to above the eyebrow) because the risks, if any, are unknown.”

Despite what we know and what we continue to learn about the dangers of tanning, the message doesn’t seem to be getting through. In fact, tanning bed use is on the increase in many places, with people putting themselves at risk and driving the need for ever more effective communication about those risks and ways to avoid.

Avoid midday sun. Avoid the sun when its rays are the strongest. For most area in the United States, this is between about 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Because the sun’s rays are strongest during this period, try to schedule outdoor activities for other times of the day, even in winter or when the sky is cloudy.

Wear sunscreen year round. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours—more often if you’re swimming or perspiring.

Wear protective clothing. Wear tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs and a broad-brimmed hat, which provides more protection than a baseball cap or visor does.

About the Author

Payal has more than 12 years of achievement in marketing strategy, brand building, data analytics and marketing technology in Chicago where she is currently the Director of Marketing for Sinai Health System. She has a M.S. in Health Communication from Boston University as well as a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from The Illinois Institute of Art. She has substantial knowledge of graphic design, web design, journalism, public relations, social media, advertising, photography, and marketing. During her free time, she plays with her lovable shih tzu, Pepsi and runs a lifestyle blog, Life with Payal. For more information, please contact Payal at payal@healthcomu.com.

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I was lucky enough to be her Teacher at Primary School. She excelled in everything she did and put 120% effort and enthusiasm into any task. She was outgoing, polite and had a very large friendship group, most of whom she is still in contact with. This article is excellent and unlike similar articles about the negative aspects of sunbathing she goes in detail and explains although we all need our Vitamin D that’s it’s not only sun beds that we should avoid. It’s an excellent article and very educational and informative. Thank you Payal x

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